DEMON young guns Libby Birch and Eden Zanker have been named in the 2020 AFLW 22Under22 team.

The inaugural team, which was trimmed from an initial squad of 31, celebrates the competition’s youth, representing the best 22 players under the age of 22.

Birch was named in the backline after a very impressive first season at Melbourne.

The former Bulldog, who joined the Demons during the Trade Period last year, was a solid and reliable body down back.

She averaged 12 disposals in her own right, while proving to be one of the league’s best lockdown defenders.

Birch’s efforts also earned her a place in the 2020 AFLW All-Australian squad earlier this month, with the final team set to be announced at a later date.

Equally as important to the Demons’ line-up was Zanker, who further developed in her third season at the Dees.

Named on the interchange, the 20-year-old provided great versatility in 2020, mixing between a ruck role and up forward.

Zanker, who was Melbourne’s top draft pick in 2017, finished with four goals, while averaging 11 hitouts and 10 disposals for the season.

The 22Under22 is an AFL Players’ Association concept, and is the industry’s only fan-voted award.